It's enough to give any private landlord nightmares. Every January you’ll see horrendous stories in the press about tenants giving New Year’s Eve parties in which dozens of people have turned up with properties completely trashed. Most of those stories concern Airbnb or similar short-term rentals. But nevertheless, the fear of a tenant or their guests damaging their property is a real one for many landlords. This is why they will try to pre-empt the problem by banning tenants from holding parties. 

It's that time of the year again. The Christmas excess leads to thoughts of New Year resolutions. They usually revolve around adopting new habits. Either to make us fitter or happier. But we can also make New Year resolutions in our professional lives. Just in case you're struggling for inspiration here's our suggestions for resolutions private landlords can make this year. 

An empty property is a private landlord's enemy. Void periods disrupt cash flow and can make the difference between a profit and a deficit over the year. This is why all landlords will go out of their way to minimise the time their property stands empty. But it can happen anyway. 

The Right to Rent Scheme is now under judicial review since yesterday from The High Court after the application to challenge it was granted on Wednesday. 

It's fair to say that when they advertise their property few private landlords immediately think of including a floorplan. A landlord will typical spend a long time agonising over the words to use in their ad. They'll spend even longer trying to get the best photos of their property. Or they will pay a professional photographer to take the photos instead. 

Council tax shouldn't be an issue for private landlords. Yet it can sometimes turn into a messy situation when a tenant doesn't pay their bills. Especially when the landlord starts receiving letters from the local council threatening recovery action. But what should you do if you find yourself in this situation? 

Whether or not to give your tenant a Christmas present seems a simple enough question. But it's one which does divide private landlords. Yet there is evidence that gifts to tenants can bring benefits to the landlord. 

When a tenant moves into their new home it's bound to be with a combination of excitement and a little stress. Especially on moving in day. It can turn into a long slog. And one which can be a little fraught. So, it's a nice gesture to prepare a welcome pack for your new tenant.  

This bill will bring big changes. And it's a subject MakeUrMove Managing Director Alexandra Morris (MARLA) will be addressing in a FREE webinar on Thursday December 13. You can find more information about the webinar and reserve your place by clicking here. 

If you're a private landlord you'll know all about Rightmove. But just in case you're not aware. Rightmove is the biggest property website in the UK. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the site every single day. And if you're a private landlord looking for tenants it’s where you need to advertise. 

Viewings are an essential part of any private landlord's business. After all the viewing is the platform from which you can 'sell' your rental to prospective tenants. But there is a problem with viewings which every landlord will be aware of. They can be a pain. Or at least the time they take to conduct and arrange can be. Not to mention the initial screening process. 

Welcome along to the next in our interview series where we capture insights from notable property people. Today it is the turn of Lincoln-based property developer Ryan Carruthers, who along with his business partner, Kim Stones, undertakes some large commercial to residential and mixed used projects as well as holding stock for rental.